State v. Richardson

Herbert Richardson appeals the trial court’s imposition of costs after a jury found him guilty of assault in the fourth degree. We hold that because the court’s order imposing costs was based solely on Richardson’s decision to go to trial rather than accepting the State’s plea offer, it was improper and we reverse it.

FACTS

Richardson was charged with attempted rape in the second degree, in violation of RCW 9A.28.020 and RCW 9A.44.050(l)(a). After plea negotiations failed on the day the case was set for trial, the State moved to amend the information to add alternative counts of assault in the…